OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Virginia Beach City Council Meeting March 4, 2026: Legislative Update, Parking Delay, and Recognitions

City Council Meetings — Wednesday, March 4, 2026
BodyVirginia Beach, Virginia
SessionCity Council Meetings
DateWednesday, March 4, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:09:20

Transcript — Verbatim
0:09

Good morning, welcome more.

0:10

We call this meeting to order, and uh Mr.

0:12

Dude Haney, I understand we have another magnificent update from Richard.

0:17

Yes, Mr.

0:18

Mayor, members of council.

0:19

We are going to be joined today by Brett McKenzie, who's live and in action in Richmond, Virginia.

0:24

He's gonna come and give City Council an overview of where we are with this legislative session on our general assembly.

0:30

So, Brett, the floor is yours.

0:33

Thank you, Mr.

0:34

Manager.

0:35

Good afternoon, uh Mr.

0:36

Mayor, Madam Vice Mayor, members of the council.

0:38

It's a pleasure to be with you again this afternoon.

0:41

Uh, we're gonna follow a similar format as you've probably seen the last couple weeks, including most of the same bills as we're still kind of battling uh a lot of the same issues.

0:49

Um it's that time in the legislative session where tensions are really high and tempers are pretty hot, and uh on some pieces of legislation that look pretty inevitable.

1:02

We've uh we're looking to try and find amendments and some substitutes and some changes that we can make some of these pieces of legislation uh better and more livable um as we continue to work them through the system here.

1:16

So uh lots going on.

1:18

Uh Andrew, can you go to the next slide for me?

1:22

Uh so we're in the last two weeks of legislative session.

1:26

Supposed to go to sign you die next Saturday.

1:29

Um our legislative agenda is um had a bit of a rough week on in some ways.

1:36

Uh so um our cancer screening bill just this morning was carried over to 2027 in Senate finance.

1:44

Uh they said they would look to find some dollars in the budget.

1:47

We'll see what happens there.

1:48

But uh there's also this pilot program that is taking place out of Fairfax County that is supposed to report later this year some results on some cancer screening uh programs they've been running up there, and so they've decided to kind of wait to see what the results were from that pilot program before they uh create a permanent program and uh fully fund it.

2:10

So that was disappointing this morning.

2:12

But um, as I mentioned, we'll continue to work to try and find some dollars in the budget for that.

2:17

Uh similarly, our EOS War for Life funding legislation was continued in Senate finance.

2:26

Um they had done the same thing to the Senate version.

2:30

Typically, when they do that, they stick with the same result.

2:33

That's kind of what happened there.

2:35

Um, our HP 390 passed the Senate with a substitute, um, just some technical changes, and then now that's headed back over to the House, uh, where we're hopeful they will accept those changes, and that will then go to the governor.

2:48

They reject the changes, then it'll go to conference.

2:50

So we'll continue to work on that legislation.

2:53

Um as we've mentioned the last couple weeks, our 10-1 election system legislation has all been successful.

3:02

Um Governor Spanberger has until March 5th to um take action on the Senate versions of those bills as they as those hit her desk last week.

3:13

So we're waiting on her um her action on those pieces of legislation.

3:24

So these are our legislation with fiscal impact that we've been talking about with you guys.

3:28

Um, we're not really expecting a whole lot of um resolution on these until the very end.

3:35

Most of these will head to conference as they have different uh pieces in the house and the senate have different versions, and so um we're not anticipating a lot of resolution until the end on these.

3:46

Um the collective bargaining bill in the house.

3:50

Um passed commerce and labor and was sent back over to finance.

3:54

Just typical process, what we would expect to see.

3:57

Um delegate Fagan's bill dealing with prevailing wage.

4:01

Same thing, passed out of commerce and labor was sent to finance.

4:05

Um the legislation that requires paid sick leave, uh, passed commerce and labor and is headed to the floor, and then um the legislation that would create a paid family leave program uh passed Senate finance and is headed to the floor there.

4:22

So uh lots of movement, but nothing that isn't uh what we expected on this.

4:30

Similarly, the uh pieces of legislation that carry some revenue streams that uh all the local governments are following.

4:38

Uh skill games legislation continues to move forward.

4:41

Um, they're hoping to get those to be in the same format and same language so they don't head the conference.

4:47

We'll see if they're successful on that.

4:49

Um the cannabis legislation.

4:52

I think it's gonna do the opposite, and I think it will head to uh uh conference committee as they try to iron out some of the differences there dealing with some zoning authority, and I think um uh the tax structure is a little different.

5:06

It's just some some technicalities they got to work out there.

5:10

Um, and then we haven't seen any movement so far on the house version of the local sales tax for school construction.

5:17

As you'll remember, I was telling you guys last week, the Senate version of that bill was rejected, but they put the language in the budget.

5:25

So although uh a lot of the local governments have been working to try to get the legislation passed that has some of the better language in there that would allow you to do um use those dollars should a locality choose to to be able to use those on debt services uh rather than just on uh future um school construction payments.

5:47

So trying to get them to make sure that it provides maximum flexibility for local governments.

5:56

Land use legislation was a bit of a mixed bag, yet again this week.

6:01

Um the first bills there, the they call this the housing target bill.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Parking Management███████████████████████23%
State Legislation███████████████████19%
Procedural████████████████16%
Affordable Housing████████████12%
Public Engagement████████8%
Youth Programs███████7%
Community Engagement█████5%
Transportation Safety██2%
Zoning And Land Use██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Virginia Beach City Council Meeting – March 4, 2026

The City Council met on March 4, 2026, to receive a legislative update from Richmond, debate a proposed delay in parking fee implementation at the Sports Center and Convention Center, honor the memory of former Delegate Barry Knight, and recognize local youth and community organizations. The council approved a consent agenda and several appointments, and discussed housing affordability. A closed session was held for legal and contract matters.

Consent Calendar

  • Ordinance 1: Authorizing a dark fiber lease with Lumos Telephone LLC.
  • Ordinance 2: Revising council member sponsored forum/event policy.
  • Ordinance 3: Amending boards/commissions attendance policy.
  • Resolution 4: Authorizing memorandum of agreement for Hampton Roads Regional Groundwater Litigation Mitigation Program.
  • Ordinance 5: Accepting $720,472.93 from VDOT for emergency communications (911 infrastructure).
  • Ordinance 6: Accepting $5,250 for behavioral health training.
  • Ordinance 7: Transferring $725,381.81 for voter registration (April 21, 2026 special election). All items were approved on a single vote of 10–0.

Recognitions and Presentations

  • Ramblers Youth Football Organization: Honored for achieving the AYFN National Championship with a 17–0 record. Council presented a resolution commending the team and coaching staff.
  • Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (Virginia Beach Alumni Chapter): Recognized for service and leadership; the sorority celebrated the 113th anniversary of its first public service act (women’s suffrage march).

Discussion Items

Legislative Update (Richmond Session)

Brett McKenzie, legislative liaison, reported on the final two weeks of the General Assembly session. Key points:

  • Cancer screening bill carried over to 2027; staff will seek budget funding.
  • EOS War for Life funding continued in Senate Finance.
  • HB 390 passed Senate with technical substitute; awaits House action.
  • 10–1 election system bills await Governor Spanberger’s action by March 5.
  • Collective bargaining, prevailing wage, paid sick leave, paid family leave bills moving through committees.
  • Skill games and cannabis legislation headed to conference committee.
  • Local sales tax for school construction not moving in House; Senate version rejected but language in budget.
  • Land use bills: Housing target bill defeated; ADU bill would require localities to allow accessory dwelling units by right (with some concessions including a ban on STRs); “Housing Year Jobs” bills (HB 816, SB 454) amended from 75% to 50% commercial property designation for multifamily, with carve-outs for AQ districts and blue line issues; “Faith in Housing” legislation (HB 1279, SB 388) would allow religious/501c3 properties to build affordable housing at up to 45 feet without local zoning – staff working to limit impact.
  • Parking requirement limits compromised: localities can still set limits near transit/high-density areas.
  • E-bike task force bill passed; helmet requirement for motorized scooters/skateboards headed to floor.
  • Dot.gov domain requirement continued to 2027 after fiscal impact concerns.
  • HRT workgroup bill reported from Senate Finance.

Councilmember Moss questioned the scope of HB 816/SB 454, noting the 50% requirement applies to improved and unimproved commercial properties. Mayor Tyron expressed concern over erosion of local land use authority.

Parking Fee Implementation Delay at Sports Center/Convention Center

Mayor Tyron proposed delaying the scheduled April 1 parking fee implementation to allow time for stakeholder communication, operational planning, and resolution of the 19th Street garage decision. Key positions:

  • Mayor Tyron: Supported delay to surgically focus on Atlantic Park, debug residential permit program, and develop a complete parking strategy before broad implementation.
  • Vice Mayor Wilson: Noted the public lacks understanding of the high cost of parking garage spaces ($35,000–$45,000 per spot); delay would allow completion of a new garage and better communication.
  • Councilmember Stacy: Emphasized that charging parking fees is common and fair; homeowners currently subsidize free parking. She did not oppose delay but cautioned against abandoning the policy.
  • Councilmember Patrick: Stated the parking enterprise fund can absorb the revenue loss for another year (defer until January or February 2027). Staff have already invested in enhanced software/hardware to monitor parking usage, which will provide data for future decisions.
  • Councilmember Josh: Agreed parking is an enterprise fund meant to be self-supporting; delay acceptable.

Council consensus was to delay the implementation until after the summer 2026 season and until the 19th Street parking garage decision is made. The city manager will issue a public notice about the delay.

Tribute to Former Delegate Barry Knight

Council members honored the late Barry Knight, a former Virginia Beach delegate and proud hog farmer, who passed away on February 26, 2026. Speakers (Mayor Tyron, Vice Mayor Wilson, Councilmembers Barbara, Rosemary, Michael) praised his bipartisan nature, advocacy for agriculture, assistance with the Nemo Parkway 7B project, and quiet philanthropy (e.g., $25,000 for one-room schoolhouse restoration). Council noted his irreplaceable role as a farmer-legislator.

Housing Affordability Discussion

Councilmember Stacy read excerpts from a guest editorial by State Senator Angelina Williams Graves on housing supply shortages, restrictive zoning, and the need to expand all types of housing. Mayor Tyron added that the housing crisis is national; new housing (even high-end) creates a vacancy chain and helps keep mill rates reasonable. Councilmember John noted Virginia Beach has a deficit of 2,000 housing units and that population trends show the city still losing residents. The housing discussion was linked to the ongoing comprehensive plan update.

Public Comments & Testimony

No public speakers were present for the three scheduled public hearings (agricultural lease of city property; acquisition agreements for the Cental Vote Park Turnpike Phase 2 and Lynnhaven River Basin Wetland Construction projects). All hearings were closed with no testimony.

Key Outcomes

  • Vote to delay parking fee implementation at the Sports Center and Convention Center until after summer 2026 and until the 19th Street garage decision is made (consensus, no formal vote recorded).
  • Consent agenda approved 10–0.
  • Appointments approved 10–0: Human Rights Commission (Latanya Robertson), Military Economic Development Advisory Committee (Richard Barkas), Oceana Land Use Conformity Committee (Captain Rob Littman).
  • Closed session certified (legal and contract matters) by a 10–0 vote.
  • Minutes of February 17 and 24, 2026 approved 10–0.
  • Presentation of resolution to Ramblers Youth Football Organization and recognition of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.
  • Legislative update noted; staff will continue to monitor and advocate on pending bills.

Meeting Transcript

Good morning, welcome more. We call this meeting to order, and uh Mr. Dude Haney, I understand we have another magnificent update from Richard. Yes, Mr. Mayor, members of council. We are going to be joined today by Brett McKenzie, who's live and in action in Richmond, Virginia. He's gonna come and give City Council an overview of where we are with this legislative session on our general assembly. So, Brett, the floor is yours. Thank you, Mr. Manager. Good afternoon, uh Mr. Mayor, Madam Vice Mayor, members of the council. It's a pleasure to be with you again this afternoon. Uh, we're gonna follow a similar format as you've probably seen the last couple weeks, including most of the same bills as we're still kind of battling uh a lot of the same issues. Um it's that time in the legislative session where tensions are really high and tempers are pretty hot, and uh on some pieces of legislation that look pretty inevitable. We've uh we're looking to try and find amendments and some substitutes and some changes that we can make some of these pieces of legislation uh better and more livable um as we continue to work them through the system here. So uh lots going on. Uh Andrew, can you go to the next slide for me? Uh so we're in the last two weeks of legislative session. Supposed to go to sign you die next Saturday. Um our legislative agenda is um had a bit of a rough week on in some ways. Uh so um our cancer screening bill just this morning was carried over to 2027 in Senate finance. Uh they said they would look to find some dollars in the budget. We'll see what happens there. But uh there's also this pilot program that is taking place out of Fairfax County that is supposed to report later this year some results on some cancer screening uh programs they've been running up there, and so they've decided to kind of wait to see what the results were from that pilot program before they uh create a permanent program and uh fully fund it. So that was disappointing this morning. But um, as I mentioned, we'll continue to work to try and find some dollars in the budget for that. Uh similarly, our EOS War for Life funding legislation was continued in Senate finance. Um they had done the same thing to the Senate version. Typically, when they do that, they stick with the same result. That's kind of what happened there. Um, our HP 390 passed the Senate with a substitute, um, just some technical changes, and then now that's headed back over to the House, uh, where we're hopeful they will accept those changes, and that will then go to the governor. They reject the changes, then it'll go to conference. So we'll continue to work on that legislation. Um as we've mentioned the last couple weeks, our 10-1 election system legislation has all been successful. Um Governor Spanberger has until March 5th to um take action on the Senate versions of those bills as they as those hit her desk last week. So we're waiting on her um her action on those pieces of legislation. So these are our legislation with fiscal impact that we've been talking about with you guys. Um, we're not really expecting a whole lot of um resolution on these until the very end. Most of these will head to conference as they have different uh pieces in the house and the senate have different versions, and so um we're not anticipating a lot of resolution until the end on these. Um the collective bargaining bill in the house. Um passed commerce and labor and was sent back over to finance. Just typical process, what we would expect to see. Um delegate Fagan's bill dealing with prevailing wage. Same thing, passed out of commerce and labor was sent to finance. Um the legislation that requires paid sick leave, uh, passed commerce and labor and is headed to the floor, and then um the legislation that would create a paid family leave program uh passed Senate finance and is headed to the floor there. So uh lots of movement, but nothing that isn't uh what we expected on this. Similarly, the uh pieces of legislation that carry some revenue streams that uh all the local governments are following. Uh skill games legislation continues to move forward. Um, they're hoping to get those to be in the same format and same language so they don't head the conference.

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